We received and assessed 24 high quality applications. Successful applicants have been notified and invited to hold a position on the Committee.

The first meeting will be in February 2024.

Committee Members

Key Government Agency representatives

Lucas Hazelton - Business Relationship Manager, Sydney Central Service - NSW Business Bureau

Deb Kempe - Associate Director, Strategy & Projects, Office of the 24-Hour Economy

Trudi Mares, Deputy Secretary Greater Sydney, Transport for NSW

Councillors and Council Staff

Mayor Sue Heins

Councillor Bianca Crvelin

Councillor Michael Gencher

Councillor Jose Menano-Pires

Councillor Sarah Grattan

Louise Kerr Director Planning & Place

Nikki Griffith Manager Place & Economic Development

Flo Rocca Senior Tourism & Destination Specialist

Richard Old Team Leader Economic Development

Background

We sought expressions of interest from Northern Beaches business and industry representatives, to participate in a high-level industry forum to understand changing economic and business needs and opportunities across the Northern Beaches; and to advocate these to all levels of government.

View the terms of reference here.

The Committee will monitor delivery of the 5-year action plan within the recently adopted Northern Beaches Economic Development Strategy (EDS) ‘Business on the Beaches’ and the Destination Management Plan (DMP) ‘Destination Northern Beaches: Creating a Sustainable Visitor Economy’.

Staff will assess submissions in accordance with the Appointment of Committee Members Policy and the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW 2018. See FAQ regarding conflicts of interest.

About the Business and Industry Stakeholder Committee

The Committee will provide input at a strategic level on:

• Changing local economic conditions and business confidence.
• Emerging industry trends and opportunities.
• Business programs and relevant grant funding opportunities.
• Progress towards meeting targets and measures in the Economic Development Strategy and Destination Management Plan.

The Committee will have up to a total of 20 members and include 10 representatives of the industry sectors that reflect the economic profile of the Northern Beaches LGA, including larger employers and institutions, to act as a sounding board for research into business conditions.

Representatives for local business networks to reflect the needs of micro and home-based businesses, will also be sought.

The Committee will have representatives of NSW Government, such as Destination NSW, Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade, and Transport NSW, to directly hear about and inform policy directions to support local economic development.

Business/industry members representing the following sectors were encouraged to apply:

• Tourism sector – such as a major hotel and/or tourism operators.
• Hospitality & Arts sector – such as large food and beverage or entertainment organisations.
• Manufacturing/Innovation sector – such as Pharmaceutical or High-technology.
• Health Care sector – such as hospital or aged care providers.
• Community services and social enterprise – such as disability employment providers.
• Construction sector – such as construction company or associations.
• Tertiary Education Sector – such as colleges.
• Representatives from local business networks to also reflect the needs of micro businesses.